Recently Released on Blu Ray and DVD - "Deadfall" - Although it's hampered by a conclusion that leaves a bit to be desired and a shallow performance from lead protagonist Charlie Hunnam, this violent, noirish Drama/Thriller about a disgraced former boxer crossing paths with sibling robbers on the run features some very good cinematography (I'm a sucker for a snowy setting) and a simmering, villainous turn from Eric Bana. It's not essential, though it's a serviceable and entertaining time passer that would make a solid rainy-day rental.
Charlie Hunnam (FX's Sons Of Anarchy) stars as "Jay", a former Olympic-level pugilist recently released from prison who makes a serious mistake almost immediately after gaining his freedom. Realizing he's probably going to make a return trip behind bars, he sets out for his hometown in rural Michigan in an effort to make amends with his estranged father. Hunnam's acting prowess consists of clenching his jaw and giving a mean glare in just about every situation- he's short on presence and charisma, to say the least. Audiences will see him next headlining Director Guillermo Del Toro's Pacific Rim, and I can only hope he's grown a bit as an actor between this particular effort/release and July...
Eric Bana (Troy) and Olivia Wilde (Cowboys & Aliens) are "Addison" and "Liza", respectively. The siblings are the surviving members of a gang of robbers responsible for a botched casino heist- stranded without transportation in a blizzard, the duo split up in an effort to evade authorities. The seasoned Bana has all the talent, depth and presence that Hunnam currently doesn't- he's a deadly, interesting sort who anchors the film throughout. My only knock against him here is that his accent is never quite right- I had a difficult time placing what he was going for as the Aussie accent slipped through on more than a few occasions. Olivia Wilde's icy-blue eyes are as striking as ever; she's solid here, though a little strange. A few exchanges with her brother, Addison, might make a viewer a little uncomfortable. Her Liza hitches a ride with Jay and the two fall for each other in record fashion, thus setting up a collision course with Addison.
Kris Kristofferson and Sissy Spacek play Jay's parents- they're just about to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner when trouble comes a' knockin'. Spacek is excellent in a limited role while Kris Kristofferson only delivers a few raspy, grumbling lines in only the way he could. The 76 year old Singer/Songwriter/Actor is looking understandably tired- it's good to see him, though I wish he had more to do.
Kate Mara (Ironclad) is the Deputy desperate to make her Sherriff father, Treat Williams (Deep Rising), proud in a story arc that never comes full circle. Mara's OK, though some might feel she's miscast, while Treat Williams is solid in yet another painfully underutilized role.
For some reason it kept reminding me, for better and worse, of the 1997 Dennis Quaid/Danny Glover film Switchback, while others will probably recognize similarities with Fargo and A Simple Plan. It's uneven and never realizes the full potential of it's own setup, which will probably lower it's replay value for most, but it looks nice, never bores, doesn't jump completely off the rails of logic and features an impressive cast. It's leagues better than most straight-to-video releases.
7.0 out of 10
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